Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is a landmark in the history of music, changing the concept of what a symphony could be. The use of solo singers and a chorus in the final movement was revolutionary, and the emotional journey to a glorious vision of a world of love and tolerance paved the way for idealistic symphonies to come.

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Reviews

CD of the Week 'this recording has impressed every one of the CD Review team ... there is a feeling of immediacy and drama tempered with vision and maturity as though Haitink's long career has been leading towards this time where he can combine impetuosity and youthful enthusiasm with the wisdom of age and experience' BBC Radio 3 CD Review

'enough orchestral punch to knock a listener senseless ... we are caught in the grip of a performance of quite uncommon fervour. Feel the warmth of Finley's opening bass solo, marvel at the open throats of the London Symphony Chorus' The Times

'a magnificent performance of the Ninth, done with total commitment under Haitink's inspiring leadership ... with splendid chorus and soloists in full cry, and orchestra in blazing form, all is thrillingly right. Every detail of the ever-astonishing score is given its value in a reading of passionate conviction' Sunday Times